Ursuline came into Ardsley's gym Tuesday fresh off strong showings in wins against Scarsdale and Mount Vernon.
The Koalas have been aided by getting San Diego State-bound Alyssa Lawrence back in the mix after knee surgery, a skilled forward who ranks among Section 1's best.
Routinely matched up with Lawrence in the post, freshman Nicolina Chenard delivered for Ardsley, matching Lawrence's 14 points while providing a consistent rebounding presence in a 59-55 win.
"There has been a (physicality) to Nicolina's play ever since we played Woodlands, and she has found another gear," Ardsley coach Michael Pollio said. "She's become much more comfortable with contact."
Lawrence, who made her season debut for the 8-6 Koalas on Jan. 15 after missing her team's first nine games, was held to five points in the first half.
"I just didn't come out as strong as I really would have liked to," Lawrence said. "I didn't capitalize on the little things. There were a lot of opportunities where I didn't need to drive and I took an outside shot, but I need to work harder on capitalizing."
Ardsley trailed 21-15 with two minutes left in the second quarter and finished the half on a 9-3 surge.
The third quarter opened with three lead changes in quick succession until the Panthers gained a 33-31 lead midway through the period and didn't relinquish it.
"(Ardsley) moved the ball pretty well and they have a lot of very good players," Ursuline's Grace Brennan said.
Senior guard Toni Pilla scored 24 points for the Panthers. Sophomore Casey Foley added 10.
Playing in Class B this year after previously competing in A, the 9-5 Panthers scheduled contests with Irvington and Ossining in order to face high-caliber opponents.
"When you go and play Ossining, they're such a great team but you learn from it," Pollio said. "We might not have the greatest seeding in the world, but we are going to be prepared come sectionals."
Ursuline has played this season without the services of two starters, Veronique Ntumba and Keira Keane.
Ntumba tore her ACL before the season and Keane hasn't recovered from a ligament injury she suffered during soccer season.
"When I was out, it forced everyone to score," Lawrence said. "Rather than just force it to me and have me score. Especially Anna (Savino) and Rianna (Peduzzi), they've really stepped up, and once I came back in, we're all flowing together."
Brennan connected on two 3-pointers and finished with 10 points. Peduzzi scored eight.
